What Have We Here

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A film legend reflects on his nearly eight-decade life as a celebrated actor who defied the racism and typecasting prevalent in the predominantly white film industry. Born in Harlem in 1937, Billy Dee Williams grew up in a nurturing and cultured environment. He made his stage debut as a child alongside Lotte Lenya and studied painting before pursuing acting with notable mentors like Herbert Berghoff and Stella Adler. His film career began with a role in The Last Angry Man, where Paul Muni inspired him with the advice that he could play any character regardless of his appearance or background. Williams highlights his breakthrough role in Brian’s Song, an interracial love story that captivated over fifty million viewers. He became a pop culture icon as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, a role that challenged expectations and showcased a Black character in a significant way. He reprised this role in The Return of the Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, solidifying his place in cinematic history. Through his journey, Williams shares insights into the dreams and adventures that have shaped his remarkable career, celebrating the resilience and passion that have defined his life in film.